2020

~ Four sections of Florida roadways named in remembrance of fallen FHP Troopers ~

MIAMI, Fla. – Yesterday, four sections of Florida roadways were officially named in remembrance of Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Troopers who died in the line of duty. The roadway designations were unveiled to honor the service and sacrifice of FHP Auxiliary Captain Owen Bender, Trooper Bradley S. Glascock, Trooper Elmer C. Barnett, and Trooper Alvin V. Kohler.

Auxiliary Captain Owen Bender was a World War II veteran and served the citizens of Florida with the Florida Highway Patrol for six years. On September 8, 1965, Captain Bender was struck and killed by a vehicle while directing traffic at a roadblock on the Julia Tuttle causeway during Hurricane Betsy. Captain Bender was 34 years old at the time of his death. The interchange at Interstate 95 and Alton Road in Miami-Dade County was dedicated in remembrance of Captain Bender.

Trooper Bradley S. Glascock was a graduate of the 51st FHP recruit class and served the citizens of Florida with the Florida Highway Patrol for one year. On August 4, 1977, Trooper Glascock was shot and killed during a traffic stop at the State Road 836 toll in Miami. Trooper Glascock’s killer later turned himself in after a massive manhunt. Trooper Glascock was 24 years old at the time of his death. A portion of State Road 836 between Northwest 12th Avenue and Northwest 27th Avenue in Miami-Dade County was dedicated in remembrance of Trooper Glascock.

Trooper Elmer C. Barnett was a graduate of the 44th FHP recruit class and served the citizens of Florida with the Florida Highway Patrol for five years. On February 14, 1978, Trooper Barnett was struck and killed by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop on State Road 836. Trooper Barnett was 30 years old at the time of his death. A portion of State Road 836 between Northwest 42nd Avenue and Northwest 72nd Avenue in Miami-Dade County was dedicated in remembrance of Trooper Barnett.

Trooper Alvin V. Kohler was a U.S. Air Force veteran, a graduate of the 54th FHP recruit class and served the citizens of Florida with the Florida Highway Patrol for one year. On September 19, 1978, Trooper Kohler was shot and killed by a runaway teenager he was assisting on the Florida Turnpike. The teenager, whose vehicle had become disabled, also shot and killed a tow truck driver and fled the scene before being apprehended a short time later in Florida City. Trooper Kohler was 23 years old at the time of his death. A portion of the Homestead Extension of the Florida Turnpike between mile marker 13 and mile marker 16 in Miami-Dade County was dedicated in remembrance of Trooper Kohler.

“Captain Bender, Trooper Barnett, Trooper Glascock, and Trooper Kohler were heroes among us – willing to face danger to help keep others safe and making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” said Senator Lauren Book. “It is my honor to have worked with FHP and the Florida Legislature to ensure the proper recognition of these fallen public servants and the legacy of service they have left behind.”

Representative Chuck Brannan said, “It was my privilege to sponsor this legislation so that we can permanently honor those troopers who have given their lives in defense of all we hold dear. It is my hope that the motoring public will always remember their sacrifices as they pass by these markers on our state highways.”

“These troopers served the residents and visitors of the state of Florida with great honor, as Florida Highway Patrol Troopers,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “These roadway dedications will serve as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by our fallen heroes.”

The ceremony for FHP Auxiliary Captain Owen Bender, Trooper Bradley S. Glascock, Trooper Elmer C. Barnett, and Trooper Alvin V. Kohler was held yesterday at the FHP Troop-E headquarters in Miami-Dade County. Family members, FHP leadership, local law enforcement, and state leaders, including State Representative Dotie Joseph, gathered to pay tribute and unveil the roadway signs honoring Captain Bender, Trooper Glascock, Trooper Barnett, and Trooper Kohler.